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Saxton Field, Stoke
4 km
1 hour
0 metres
Whether you are a long-time Nelson local looking for a fresh spot to stretch your legs or a visitor exploring the sun-soaked Top of the South, the Saxton Field Walking Tracks offer a surprisingly diverse and refreshing escape. Located in the heart of Stoke, this 65-hectare regional treasure is much more than just a collection of sports fields; it is a vibrant community hub where nature, art, and recreation collide.
The beauty of the Saxton Field network lies in its accessibility. With a total distance of approximately 4km and absolutely zero elevation gain, this is the ultimate "everyone" trail. It is where you will find parents teaching toddlers to ride, retirees enjoying a brisk morning stroll, and office workers reclaiming their lunch break amidst the greenery. If you are looking for a flat, well-maintained loop that feels miles away from the urban hustle while staying conveniently within reach, this is the place to be.
Stepping onto the Saxton Field Walking Tracks feels like entering the recreational lungs of the region. The trail system is a well-designed loop that allows you to tailor your experience based on how much time you have. If you follow the main 4km circuit, you can expect a leisurely hour-long journey that takes you through a shifting landscape of manicured parklands and pockets of "wild" New Zealand.
The walk typically begins near the main pavilion or the pond area. As you set off, you are greeted by wide, open vistas of the surrounding hills that frame the Nelson and Tasman regions. The terrain is exceptionally easy underfoot—largely flat and very well-maintained, making it a dream for those with strollers or anyone who prefers a stable surface.
One of the most charming sections of the walk is the Orphanage Creek stretch. Here, the environment shifts from open playing fields to a more intimate, sheltered setting. The creek is lined with thoughtful native plantings that have matured beautifully, creating a "bush-lite" experience. You’ll hear the gentle trickle of water and the rustle of wind through the harakeke (flax) and ribbonwoods. It’s a peaceful contrast to the high-energy atmosphere of the nearby netball courts or cricket pitches.
As you loop back towards the centre of the complex, the path opens up again, offering views of the impressively maintained sports turf. On a Saturday morning, the air is thick with the sound of whistles and cheering, but during the week, it’s a tranquil expanse of green. The track eventually leads you toward the Saxton Pond, a serene focal point that serves as the perfect spot to slow down and simply breathe.
Ample free parking is available onsite at various points throughout Saxton Field, easily accessible via Saxton Road. The car park beside Saxton Pond is best accessed from the entrance off Main Road Stoke. [cite: 8 (previous search), 13 (previous search)]
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
300m away
Located directly opposite Saxton Field, this on-site restaurant offers a convenient and hearty à la carte dinner menu, perfect for refuelling after a day of activity.
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Loop
While the entire walk is pleasant, there are a few standout features that make Saxton Field a notch above your average park walk:
Getting to Saxton Field is a breeze, whether you are coming from Nelson CBD or Richmond. The complex is situated in Stoke and is well-signposted from the main arterial routes.
There is ample free parking available at various points throughout the 65-hectare site. For the most direct access to the walking tracks and the picturesque pond area, it is best to use the entrance off Main Road Stoke. If you are coming for a specific sporting event or prefer to start near the netball and hockey facilities, the entrances off Saxton Road provide plenty of space.
For a track located so close to residential areas, the birdlife at Saxton Field is remarkably active. The combination of open water, native plantings, and large trees makes it a sanctuary for several iconic New Zealand species.
Keep an eye out for the Pīwakawaka (New Zealand Fantail). These cheeky little birds are almost guaranteed to follow you along the Orphanage Creek section, flitting through the branches to catch insects stirred up by your footsteps. You will also frequently hear the melodic chime of the Tūī echoing from the taller trees, and if you are lucky, you might spot a Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch, looking for berries.
The pond itself is home to a permanent population of Paradise Shelducks and Pūkeko (Swamp Hens). The Pūkeko, with their bright red beaks and indigo feathers, are often seen foraging in the damp grass nearby. It’s a great spot for children to observe bird behaviour up close, but do remember to keep your distance and let the wildlife go about their day undisturbed.
Nelson is famous for its sunshine, and Saxton Field is a great place to soak it up year-round.
Saxton Field is a testament to what can be achieved through community collaboration. It is a premier sports and recreation venue jointly owned and managed by the Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. This partnership reflects the shared spirit of the region, where the boundaries between "city" and "country" blur into a shared love for the outdoors.
The area holds significance as a modern-day gathering place, mirroring the historical importance of the region as a site of transit and resource gathering for Māori. The naming of Orphanage Creek carries its own local history, harking back to the colonial days of the Whakatu (Nelson) area. Today, the "Goddess of Flight" sculpture serves as a symbolic bridge between the natural world and the people who inhabit it, reminding us of our connection to the migratory paths of the birds and the tides of the nearby Tasman Bay.
One of the perks of a "suburban" hike is the proximity to excellent coffee and food. Once you’ve finished your loop, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to refuelling.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or just looking for a quiet place to clear your head, the Saxton Field Walking Tracks offer a slice of Nelson life at its best—active, inclusive, and naturally beautiful.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Porphyrio melanotus
Purple swamphen with distinctive red bill and frontal shield. Common in wetlands and grasslands.
Best time: Year-round
Passer domesticus
One of the most numerous birds in New Zealand's urban areas, house sparrows are adaptable and often seen foraging for seeds and scraps.
Best time: Year-round
600m away
A local favourite known for quality coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a quick pick-me-up or a casual meet-up. [cite: 11 (previous search)]
1.5km away
Situated within the Turf Hotel, The Bach offers a warm and friendly environment with a menu crafted from fresh local ingredients, including appealing à la carte and sharing plates, alongside a selection of tap beers and local wines. [cite: 10 (previous search), 13 (previous search)]
1.5km away
A welcoming cafe within the Greenmeadows Complex, serving smooth Pomeroys coffee, fresh baking, and a full menu. Features dog-friendly outdoor seating and free WiFi, making it a great stop for hikers and their furry companions. [cite: 2, 4 (previous search), 8 (previous search)]
2.4km away
A charming neighbourhood cafe serving specialty coffee, delicious brunch, and lunch options. Known for its cute atmosphere and a dog-friendly deck for outdoor dining. [cite: 3, 4, 5, 6 (previous search), 9 (previous search)]